VANCOUVER, BC - June 10, 2014 /CNW/ - The countdown is on for the 2014 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k on June 22 and there is still time for participants and their supporters to give back to important causes through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge by supporting one of the 78 registered charities, including this year's featured charities, Cassie & Friends, The Kettle Society and Spinal Cord Injury BC. This year's Honourary Chair of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge is Canucks alumni Kirk McLean.

"The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a special part of the half-marathon and 5k because it goes beyond the race to raise much needed funds for local charities," said Winnie Leong, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of the BC and Yukon Region. "I would like to congratulate the 2014 featured charities and encourage all of this year's participants and their friends and family to take part and help us reach our fundraising goal of $850,000."

Vancouver Canucks Alumni and Honourary Scotiabank Charity Challenge Chair, Kirk McLean, will be on site race day to cheer on participants and sign autographs. Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge as Scotiabank covers all of the transaction and credit card fees associated with the fundraising event.

Each year, three of our event charities are selected as featured charities, and these organizations will receive increased visibility and exposure through the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5k to help support their fundraising efforts.

2014 Scotiabank Charity Challenge Featured Charities:

1. Cassie & Friends: A Society for Children with Juvenile Arthritis and other Rheumatic Diseases - Cassie & Friends is a parent-led charity, raising awareness of juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases by raising funds for research, pediatric rheumatology programs, services, equipment and educational events. Cassie & Friends provides support to families and children suffering with Juvenile Arthritis through financial assistance, education programs, parent programs and funding for equipment and research.
2. The Kettle Society - The Kettle Society supports people living with mental illness to lead healthier lives through housing, employment & training, advocacy and support services. The Kettle's mandate is to make a difference in the lives of individuals living with mental illness in Metro Vancouver. Started in 1976, the Kettle now provides 3,600 individuals with 26 services, a mental health Drop-in that is open 365 days a year, a transition house and over 200 units of supported housing.
3. Spinal Cord Injury BC - Spinal Cord Injury BC helps people with spinal cord injury (or related physical disability) and their families adjust, adapt and thrive in their new lives. Spinal Cord Injury BC helps people with spinal cord injury or related disabilities, and their families, adjust, adapt and thrive by providing answers, information and community experiences.

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon provides a fundraising opportunity for both local and national charity groups through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Part of the Challenge is a friendly competition between the charities for cash prizes:

• A prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the Official Charity that has the most participants
• A prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the Official Charity that raises the most fundraising dollars
• A prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the Official Charity that raises the largest amount of pledge dollars per participant

Participants can visit http://www.vancouverhalf.com and register to fundraise for a charity, pledge or join a charity team by clicking on the Charity Info section of the website.

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the SVHM attracts more than 7,000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and spectators to the city. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, June 22^th starting at 7:30 a.m. for the Half-Marathon and 9:30 a.m. for the 5K. Register today at www.vancouverhalf.com.

About Scotiabank: 
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

Media Inquiries: 

Diana Hart
Scotiabank Media Communications
416 866 7238
diana.hart@scotiabank.com